"...heard the song change. It was 'Can't touch this' by MC Hammer. Have you guys heard it?" Both the students nodded. My Banner went on, "It was a hit back in the day, everyone loved dancing to it so I didn't think too much of it. That was when I heard Mr Berty on the stage with a mic in his hand! He said to the whole crowd 'All week, I've been hearing nonsense about how Mr Banner's students think he's a better dancer than me, and I think that's a crock of bull. So I would like to challenge him to a dance off.'"

"What? No way!" Edward cried from his perch on a desk, his eyebrows raised in disbelief, entirely invested. Bella was sitting on a chair next to him, both hands cradling her cheeks, elbows resting on the tabletop infront of her, listening intently. Mr Banner nodded with a bright smile on his face.

"That's how all the students reacted. You see, this was in '91, when Mr Berty was only a teacher. He taught biology across from me. Back then the school didn't separate hallways for the different subjects. We always had some kind of petty feud going on, and always entertained the students with our arguments. More students took biology in those years than any other time I've taught. Anyway, back to the dance. Some of my students dragged me to the middle of the dance floor, and they all made a circle around us. Mr Berty came down from the stage, and we just duked it out, like true gentlemen. We had a dance off."

"You've got to tell us more!" Edward argued, sitting up straighter. "What moves did you do? What moves did he do? Who won?"

"Well, the crowd went wild when I did my robot. And I hate to admit but Mr Berty's running man was pretty incredible. He pulled a hamstring during, I remember. He was limping for a week." Mr Banner chuckled softly, reliving his memories.

"Who won?" Edward was adamant.

"Well, I'd like to think it was me, and Mr Berty will always say it's him, but it was definitely a tie. We couldn't tell who the crowd cheered louder for. I remember feeling like a rockstar." Mr Banner spoke nostalgically. He remained smiling, but then a sad thought flickered behind his eyes, and he bowed his head, sighing.

"Did anything crazy happen after that dance?" Bella asked, sensing her English teacher's withdrawn mood and wanting his smile to return. They had spent their last detention listening to Mr Banner's wild school stories. He indulged them, recalling any significant and memorable events from his long high school career. They listened intently to anecdotes of funny classroom moments, past teacher scandals, old dances and feud stories. It was such a perfect way to connect with Mr Banner and end Bella's first and hopefully last week detention.

Which would be followed by a birthday treat with Edward.

The butterflies Bella had been feeling all day returned at the thought. She'd been nervous from the moment she woke up in the morning. She couldn't decide on her outfit for the day, leaving a mess on her bed and her carpeted floor as she tried on every possible combination of the same pile of cute tops and bottoms she had. In the end, she settled on a cotton navy blue eyelet blouse and her standard levis. She didn't want to appear like she was trying too hard.

She couldn't place why she was so nervous. Edward was a great guy, but she didn't want to date him. And really she didn't want to like him. They were both so different, they hadn't been friends for years, and she barely knew him. Besides whatever opinion she'd conjured up over the years of his reputation, her knowledge of him was severely lacking and mostly consisted of his actions from the past week, and even those had left her confused and uncertain.

She couldn't read him. His intentions were wildly questionable. She thought he was just a normal, good guy when they had that brief conversation on Monday, but then he did a one eighty on her the next day and set her up. That confused her beyond words. Especially when he went to such far lengths to obtain her forgiveness. The only explanation that made sense was too impossible for Bella to seriously consider, but she'd be lying if she said that the thought didn't cross her mind once or twice.

Bella wasn't an oblivious girl. She was rather mature and self aware for her age, and having spent her whole life with Jacob, she had quite a lot of experience with the behaviour of teenage boys. She also understood how they treated girls when they had some romantic feelings for them. She knew Tyler liked her, but she tried to ignore it so he wasn't encouraged in any way. She'd never had a serious boyfriend in the past, but she had been kissed and asked out. She wasn't completely blind to the romance.

She also noticed how Edward stared at her a little longer than he used to. How she felt his eyes on her face even when she wasn't looking at him directly. How important it was to him that she forgave him. His desire to be in her group; his secret smiles and winks. Begrudgingly, she'd considered Angela's theory. Her and Edward had been distant to each other for years, but she had felt something for him in grade 9. If things had gone differently, she knew it would've developed into a full blown crush. And again, she'd be lying if she said that she didn't feel any of those feelings resurface during their brief conversation during Edward's first day of detention.

If there was a chance that Edward felt something for her in grade 9 as well, then there was a chance that those feelings had sparked up again for him too. The rational side of Bella's brain just didn't want to waste hope in chances so improbable. She wasn't an insecure girl, but Bella knew her place. She also knew how much better Edward, with his looks, charm, and wealth could do. It just didn't make sense for him to settle for the average girl when he could have his pick of the litter. He could have anyone he wanted.

Bella dismissed her thoughts and tried to get on with her day. She tried to focus on anything but him, and failed spectacularly. Thankfully, having studied the night before ensured that she felt really confident while writing her physics test even though it took her longer than it usually would have. All day she'd been waiting anxiously for detention and what came after.

And now that she was here, she couldn't psych herself out with her nerves. She had to appear normal, chill, like this didn't affect her in the slightest bit. Fortunately, Mr Banner became a pleasant distraction from her own mind.

"Nothing I can recall at the top of my head." He answered, bringing Bella back to the present. "I would have to ask Mr Berty if he remembers any funny stories." He looked at the clock out of habit and gave a startled reaction. "Oh look, it's ten past four. How crazy that we missed that. I suppose time does fly when you're recounting wild Mr Berty stories."

Edward chuckled, slipping off of his desk. Bella felt a sudden pang of anxiety. She'd counted down the minutes to this moment, and now that it was here, she didn't know what to do with herself. The desire to bail on Edward and go home became so appealing.

But she knew she would never forgive herself if she went through with that, and she wasn't a little bitch. She could handle a crush, if that was how she was feeling towards Edward. It was just a harmless crush on a somewhat friend.

"Thank you guys for making it relatively peacefully to the end of the week. I hope you've both learned your lessons. As much fun as it was, I can't say I'll miss it too much. But still, thank you." He called out to the students as they packed up their things.

Bella replied with, "Yeah, you too, Mr Banner. Thank you for everything." Edward said his own thank you as he waited for Bella. She nodded at him as she swung her backpack over her shoulder. He proceeded to walk out of the room. Bella followed him as Mr Banner reminded them, "Assignments due on Monday. See you in English."

And then they were alone in the hallway. There was a nervous energy around them, and electrical buzz of sorts Edward turned around and smiled brightly. "Happy end of detention!" His enthusiasm was adorable; Bella couldn't help her giggle.

"Happy end of detention!" She smiled back.

"So, Spoons?" Edward asked as they walked down to the main entrance.

"Yeah, can we just stop by my truck? I wanna drop my backpack off." Bella requested as Edward pushed the door open for her.

"Yeah, sure."


"What can I get you two today?" The young employee asked the pair as they stepped up to the cash register. It seemed like Edward was already decided, but Bella's eyes skimmed over the different flavours propped up in the glass refrigerator. She contemplated her choices. Edward motioned for her to go first, but she shook her head.

"You go. I haven't picked yet." Her eyes were switching between three flavours. Edward was amused. He didn't understand why the matter needed so much consideration. He liked what he liked, no if, ands or buts.

"Sure," He humoured her. "I'll get cookie dough and triple chocolate in a cone." He probably didn't mean to, but his pleasant smile dazzled the girl behind the counter.

"Of course, good pick!" She gushed, punching it in quickly, "And for you…?"

Bella was still deciding. Edward couldn't control himself; a chuckle burst out of his throat. He laughed at her softly, like a parent amused by their child's antics. "Bella, it's just ice cream. It's not a math problem."

He nudged her elbow. Bella smiled sheepishly. "I know, but I can't decide if I should get the fat free soy kind or regular. I'm sensitive to lactose, but I fucking love the ice cream here. I'm trying to convince myself to do the right thing, but I also just wanna say, 'fuck it'." She had to crane her neck a little to look in his eyes. He gave her a grin that should've been illegal.

"You know I'm gonna tell you to fuck it." He replied. "For one this is supposed to be a celebration. For your birthday and end of detention day. Two, you totally deserve it after dealing with me. And third, and most importantly," he leaned in closer, "It's been a week of misbehaving. What do you say to one last chance at being bad?" His voice dropped, so only Bella could hear. His index finger found one of a stray lock of her hair, and he twirled it around. "Then you can go right back to your morality. How does that sound?" He pulled on her hair gently, his eyes wickedly smouldering. Bella was hypnotized. She couldn't process his words. His cologne was overpowering her sense. Why did he smell so fucking good-

The sound of an impatient throat clearing broke them apart. Bella's face burned as she felt her cheeks reddening. The employee was watching them with annoyance, disappointed that Edward's affection wasn't available to her. Bella took a step away from him, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. She looked around self consciously. The last thing she wanted was someone to spot them together. The gossip would never end.

That thought also distracted her from acknowledging the matter at hand; Edward was most definitely flirting with her. She didn't know how to react to that fact. So instead, she focused on the girl behind the counter. The young employee had her weight resting on her right leg with her hand perched on her hip, the other holding the scooper, glaring daggers at Bella.

"Have you decided?" The girl asked with a raised eyebrow and attitude.

Bella couldn't help her smirk when she replied, "I'll have the birthday cake and peanut butter fudge in a cone with sprinkles please."

Edward chuckled next to her.


"You have got to be out of your mind to think Captain America is better than Iron Man!"

"He is! He is so patriotic, he has no evil intentions, and he pretty much came back from the dead! All the other Avengers would just rip each other apart if Cap wasn't there to lead them. They all have their own agendas, but not Steve. He only cares about the good of everyone. And he has the coolest shield."

"Really, Bella? The shield? That's your argument? Iron man can fly!" Edward cried out vehemently, sliding to the edge of the bench he was sat on. "He's a super genius playboy billionaire, he's so powerful even without his suit, but as Iron man he's impossible to beat. Well I guess not impossible, but I'm not talking about the last movie. He's the ultimate superhero."

Bella shook her head in protest. "No he is not! I admit his suit's awesome, but that's why Captain America is better. All the other Avengers guys besides Hawkeye have powers, but all Captain America's got is super strength and his shield and he's still one of the best fighters."

"Bella, name one battle where Captain America actually saved them like Iron man has so many times." Edward retorted. Bella silently glared. Edward continued. "Yeah, he's cool and all, but Iron Man has been the sole reason they've won or lost a battle. Yeah, Cap talks a big game, but Tony Stark talks a big game and shows up for it." Edward said conclusively, leaning back.

Across the booth, Bella sat there stonily with her arms crossed. She stared at him defiantly. "You're wrong." She pouted.

"No I'm not." Edward found her stubbornness endearing.

"Yes you are." She repeated, her stiff lips cracking just a bit.

"Bella, just admit that you like Captain America because he's hotter than all the other Avengers." Edward snarked, shaking his head at Bella. Bella's eyebrows flew up in mock incredulity.

"That's not true!" She cried indignantly. "You really think I'm that shallow?"

"Well, of course I'm going to believe that when you're making such bad arguments. The only reason you're picking Captain American is because he's attractive. Admit it." Edward pushed.

"You're wrong again." Bella replied smoothly.

"Am I? How am I wrong Bella?" Edward leaned in with both hands on the table, gazing up at her sternly. "Explain to me why I'm wrong."

He waited patiently.

Bella gaped at him. Then she spoke.

"It's because Chris Hemworth is way more attractive than Chris Evans, duh. He's Australian. Doing a British accent. And he's a god. He's the finest specimen to ever exist on earth, with his powerful hammer and his raging temper. It beats all the other guys, obviously it does. It's a fucking no brainer Edward." She snapped at him, trying to maintain an angry expression. Edward's eyes widened at her outburst. His face had morphed into stunned wonder. Bella's lips twitched for a second. Two. Three.

And then she let out a belly laugh, covering her mouth with both hands. Edward followed right away.

The evening had been a lot of this. The two young teenagers were dead to their surroundings, completely engrossed in each other. The conversation flowed freely, and there was never a dull or awkward moment. They talked about books and music. They had very different tastes in the former, and the same taste in the latter. The Avengers came up when Bella told him she was going to watch the latest one with her friends, and they started arguing over which was the best movie. That led to a debate on Marvel versus DC, but that one ended quickly with Bella admitting that she was just arguing for the sake of it. Of course Marvel was better. That led them here.

Bella sighed after laughing together for a couple minutes. She looked around for the first time in a while, noticing that the restaurant was getting busier. She scanned the faces around her, relieved there were none she recognized. She grabbed her phone to check the time.

5:08 pm.

She was going to be late.

"It's almost ten past five. I've got to get going." She sighed, straightening out. Edward nodded reluctantly. He didn't want to go home just yet. They stood up and walked to the exit side by side.

Their stroll back began with a comfortable silence. Bella was just about to thank Edward for the ice cream when he snorted next to her. "I can't believe you think Captain America is better than Iron man. You're absurd. You're probably the kind of person who likes pineapple on their pizza too."

"How are the two even slightly related?" Bella asked, shaking her head.

"You're not even denying it." Edward stopped in his tracks. Bella smiled slyly.

"I love the little hints of sweet in a sea of savory. Anyone with a superior taste palate will say the same thing." Bella replied proudly.

Edward dropped his shoulders in defeat and threw his head back. "How are we ever going to be friends…?"

He continued on walking, but Bella didn't follow. She knew it was a throwaway comment, a sarcastic joke, but the question was one that sparked her curiousity.

"Is that what we are?" She asked, trying to keep her voice light. They had reached midway through the forest, and the school parking lot was some distance away. Hidden from view, they were surrounded by the sound of crickets and of gently rustling leaves. Edward stopped too, and turned around so they were facing each other. His face had an expression of innocent confusion, but Bella could tell there was more on his mind than just that. He cocked his head to the side.

"Do you not want to be?" He asked casually.

"Well, yeah," Bella spoke uncertainly, "I mean, I do. I want to be friends. It's just weird, don't you think?" She started walking, catching up to Edward. He followed her.

"Why is it weird?" He questioned carefully, treading lightly.

"Well, you know, we haven't talked in years, and all of a sudden we go from that to...to this." She just shook her head, clearing her thoughts. "I don't know, it's just weird."

"Well, it doesn't have to be weird if we don't make it." Edward countered, looking straight ahead. Bella studied his face, but it was unreadable. She stopped once again and faced him.

"Edward, why did you set me up like that? You knew you were getting me trouble. I know you've apologized for it, but I just want to know the reason."

Edward stopped walking too, but he didn't turn around. Bella saw his hands curls into fists. He didn't say anything.

Bella waited, but her head was racing. Edward sighed, and rolled his head to one side of his body, still face the other way.

"I wasn't thinking straight." He admitted quietly, "You hadn't talked to me in years, and then you were just there in that classroom...I couldn't just let... but I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have done it like that." He wasn't making much sense. Bella stared at his back in confusion.

She walked up to him, carefully, quietly, until she was right behind him. He tilted his head more, so that she was staring at his side profile. In his eyes she saw her own confusion and bewilderment.

"Done what?" She murmured. His eyes searched her face. "Done what, Edward?" she said more clearly.

She saw his internal battle. She saw him mulling over his decision. She stared as he made his mind. She saw his eyes change from deliberation to determination. For a quick moment his eyes scanned hers, and it took a second for it to dawn on her what was about to happen, what was already happening.

In that split second, she took a breath and closed her eyes.

And then his warm mouth was on hers.

Edward was tentative at first, moving his lips intentionally slow, feeling her out. When she didn't pull away, he relaxed into the kiss. He pressed his mouth more firmly to hers, his one hand reaching up and curling around her neck, clasping around her hair. It was apparent that this was not new to him; he knew what he was doing too well. Bella knew her way around too.

Now that she was responding, he kissed her more forcefully, his lips pressing against her with slow, strong kisses. With one hand curled in her hair, the other came to her face. He grabbed her jaw with his thumb and forefinger, and pulled on it gently, coaxing her to open her mouth. When she obliged, she felt his warm tongue against her lips, stroking her, lighting her up.

Bella felt light headed, surrounded by his touch, his taste, his smell. Her hands reached up and buried themselves in his hair. She tugged slightly, and heard a low sound in the back of his throat. A soft moan fell from her lips, and Edward lost all control. He kept her jaw in place as he kissed her more roughly now, opening his mouth and nipping on her lips. His arm wrapped around her back and crushed her body to him. Bella reached up on her tiptoes and pulled harder on his hair, sliding along his torso.

They were fully making out at this point, both of them panting and moaning quietly and they kissed. Edward's hands were curling round her shoulders, squeezing her waist, rubbing across her back. She gasped when she felt fingers graze the underside of her breast.

"Edward," she whimpered as he kissed her along her neck, his hand pulling her head back as he left open mouthed kisses on her flushed skin.

"Yeah?" She could feel his smile against her skin. She shook her head and pulled his face back to hers, kissing his stupid smile. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she didn't know how she was still standing up. If Edward let her go, she would be on the ground instantly.

Time had lost all meaning. Edward has her blouse in a fist, his lips moving fast and sloppily. His mouth was so warm and addictive. Everytime Bella would think to pull away, she would kiss him one more time a thousand more times. One of her hand was cupping his jaw, tracing his skin-

Her phone ringing broke them apart. She pulled it out of her pocket, cursing when she read the caller ID and the time. She accepted the call as she wiped her mouth.

"Hey dad," She winced when she heard how throaty her voice sounded. Edward was panting slightly, staring at her with bewildered eyes.

"Bells, where are you? We're going to be late for dinner." Her dad's deep voice spoke from the other end.

"I got stuck at school," She lied dismissively, "I'll be home in 5."

Her dad hung up with a quick goodbye. Edward was still staring at her. She looked at him apologetically.

"I have to go," She said, pointing to the school parking. Edward just nodded, still in shock. Bella herself didn't know what to say. She turned to go, but paused.

Then she flew back to him, and kissed him quickly. His lips stretched against hers in shock and delight, but he grabbed her face and kissed her ravenously. For a second she let herself get lost in his taste and his smell, then she wrenched herself away, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and bolted towards the school.

Edward stood there, unable to grasp what had just happened.

Welcome, or welcome back!

Operation: Bella and Edward become more than friends is in full effect. Sorry it took me so long to update, hope I made up for it! Thank you for reviewing and following and favouriting.

Today's recommendation is the novel The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I picked it up again and I can't put it down, it's so good. It's a murder mystery/thriller with a lot of symbolism, art history and clue hunting. So worth the read, although I would caution anyone with strong religious beliefs.

Leave me your thoughts. Was their first kiss satisfying? Did you see it coming? What did you think?

See you soon!